The idea behind LittleBigPlanet 3's challenge levels is simple. Every two weeks a new one is rolled out to the community so players can compete for high scores. Each challenge features a slightly different take on a mini-game built with the LBP3 engine. The first one is a survival type arcade game where you push OddSock above the line and avoid fireballs as long as you can. After that it's a side scrolling race, followed by a punch-happy boxing game. The LBP team promises more challenges are in the pipeline, so if you're terrible at one, just kick back and wait for your day in the spotlight.

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http://www.co-optimus.com/article/14626/new-costume-packs-community-challenges-coming-to-littlebigplanet-3.htmlGears of War 4 Co-Op ReviewMike KatsufrakisWith an engaging campaign, smart Horde mode additions, and a cast of characters that go beyond being the stereotypical "meatheads," Gears of War 4 is an impressive achievement. The Coalition has not only successfully transitioned the series from its previous stewards, but clearly took the time to improve upon the formula as well. This jus...

For a time, it looked like Capcom had no plans to keep MHFU alive on mobile devices. When the game was pulled the company remained silent on the issue for months. Eventually, an announcement on the Japanese website announced a fix would arrive by spring 2016. May came and went, then Capcom said they encountered difficulties in preparing the patch and named July 10 as the for-real release. Turns out that was spot-on! The fix is now out in both Japan and North America, complete with online co-op for up to four players.

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http://www.co-optimus.com/article/14342/monster-hunter-freedom-unite-returns-to-ios-online-co-op-in-tow.htmlJapanese Servers for All LittleBigPlanet Games Are Shutting DownJason Love

What this means for anyone who is playing the game or plans to pick it up in that country is that you will basically lose all the functionality that makes that game what it is. Specifically, you will no longer be able to upload content for others to enjoy, you won't be able to play or view content created by others, and you won't be able to play with others online. Presumably any DLC you've purchased for the games will be fine, as it is saved to your system, so at least there's that.

Somber piano riff leading to bombastic orchestral track? Check. Emotional dialogue from one of the NPCs about this being "your time?" Check. Establishing shots of bad guys doing bad things? Check. The trailer definitely hits all those "tug at the heart strings" moments, but to its credit, it also makes me more interested in the game.

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http://www.co-optimus.com/article/14170/origin-deals-battlefront-and-battlefield-up-to-60-off.htmlSee the Impact of Your Actions in New Homefront: The Revolution TrailerJason Love

In addition to the new "Hearts and Minds" trailer, Deep Silver unveiled the "Merits" system on the Homefront website. If you create an account over there, you'll be able to earn some new threads for the co-op Resistance Mode. Simply log in, head over to the "Merits" section to see what "missions" are available, complete them to earn merits, and unlock pieces of the (purely cosmetic) Red Rebel set. Closer to the game's release, you'll be able to link your Steam, Xbox Live, or PSN account to your profile so that the set will be ready for you on launch day.

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http://www.co-optimus.com/article/14111/see-the-impact-of-your-actions-in-new-homefront-the-revolution-trailer.htmlLearn the Tools of War in Latest Homefront TrailerJason Love

Based on the narration in the video, each gun will have three configurable sections that allow you to create your own weaponry. You can turn a regular shotgun into a gun that lobs fire at the KPA, or make your pistol into an SMG. This kind of modification will be possible in the single-player campaign as well as the co-op mode. There seems to be an emphasis on using this system along with the special items from the "toolkit" to plan ambushes to take out the KPA rather than go for a head-on fight.

But wait, there's more! If you've seen the movie you know that red guy above is named Bing Bong. Yes, like a doorbell. Or like a search engine, I suppose. The ultra-fashionable Sackboy and Sackgirl get a hip Bing Bong costume as part of the Inside Out costume pack, too! And because dressing up is more entertaining when you're a beast, new wardrobe packs featuring characters from Monsters, Inc. and The Good Dinosaur have also been released.

The core Resistance mode, the game's co-op experience, is built around your character(s). You can create a resistance fighter from a few dozen preset pieces and then after playing and earning money, can purchase "crates" which contain random items (cosmetic, weapons, etc) to further customize your character. For instance after a few crates I received a watch, a backpack, a different set of pants, and of course...a hat. This was along side new attachments for weapons, and some other goodies. There will be a pay option here to unlock crates with real money, that seems to be the pattern these days with games; and honestly I'm OK with that. Especially since all future DLC in Homefront's Resistance mode will be free for players, thereby, not splitting the player base and keeping a healthy count of folks available to take on missions.

Resistance Mode has you and three fellow Fighters take on the KPA together, across a range of diverse story-driven Missions online. As you try to complete Missions, you will steadily unlock more skills, weapons, gear, and Guerrilla Toolkit equipment to increase your options for tactical gameplay. And you will need them to tackle Missions on the hardest difficulty!

The Resistance Mode will allow up to four players to form a resistance cell in Philadelphia and engage in guerilla warfare against the entrenched Korean People's Army. Each player will be able to customize their fighter, unlock skills, choose their loadout, and earn new upgrades as they play through the mode's 12 missions.